Ophir Optronics

Last updated
Ophir Optronics Solutions, Inc.
TypeOwned by MKS Instruments, Inc.
IndustryOptronics solutions
Founded1976;45 years ago (1976)
Headquarters Jerusalem, Israel
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Kobi Lasri, Reuven Silverman
ProductsLaser measurement instruments, infrared optics, optics for fiber and CO
2
lasers, 3D non-contact measurement
Number of employees
360
Website ophiropt.com

Ophir Optronics Solutions is a multinational company that sells optronics solutions. The company develops, manufactures and markets infrared (IR) optics and laser measurement equipment. Founded in 1976, the company was traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange from 1991 until it was acquired, and was a constituent of its Tel-tech index. [1] Headquartered in the Har Hotzvim industrial park in Jerusalem, Israel Ophir owns a 100,000-square-foot (9,300 m2) complex that includes the group's main production plant. Ophir has additional production plants in North Andover, Massachusetts and Logan, Utah in the US and sales offices in the US, Japan and Europe. In 2006, Ophir acquired Spiricon Group, a US-based company in the beam-profiling market. Ophir's sales increased sharply from $45 million in 2005 to $74 million in 2007. During 2007, Ophir established a Swiss-based subsidiary (Ophir Optics Europe GmbH) to market lenses and components for surveillance and imaging systems in Europe. In May 2010, Ophir acquired Photon Inc., another US-based beam-profiling company. [2] Newport Corporation, a global supplier in photonics solutions, completed its acquisition of the Ophir company in October 2011. [3] In 2016, metrology firm MKS Instruments bought Newport Corporation, including the Ophir brand, for $980 million. [4]

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In 2017, Ophir Optronics, Ophir Optics Group, released the LightIR range of infrared thermal imaging zoom lenses, designed for UAVs, drones, and handheld devices. [5] At Eurosatory 2018, Ophir introduced another infrared thermal imaging lens to the range, the LightIR 15-75mm f/1.2, for uncooled 10–12-µm-pixel-size long–wave infrared (LWIR) detectors. [6] In 2019, Ophir expanded its family of cooled MWIR long range lenses, adding 900mm and 1350mm FLs, for use in aviation and observation systems. [7]

In January 2020, Ophir's SupIR 50-1350mm f/5.5, an MWIR long range lens for thermal imaging cameras, was named a 2020 SPIE's PRISM Awards finalist in the category of Safety and Security. [8]

Ophir Groups and Subsidiaries

Ophir Photonics Group The Ophir Photonics Group manufactures, calibrates and sells a complete line of laser measurement instruments for analyzing and measuring laser power, energy, beam profile and spectrum used in industry, telecom, medical and scientific research. Products include reliable and accurate laser power and energy meters, laser beam diagnostic instrumentation, laser measurement tools and spectral analysis instruments, which comply with NIST calibration.

Infrared Optics Group The Infrared Optics Group designs and produces optical lenses and elements for military, security and commercial markets. All manufacturing is done in-house, using automated CNC and patented Diamond Turning technologies. Ophir has expanded its optical and mechanical design department to offer lens assemblies and broadened its product lines to include the design and manufacture of optical elements for CO
2
high power lasers used in industry for laser cutting and welding machines.

3-D Non-Contact Measurement Group (Optimet) Optical Metrology Ltd., an Ophir subsidiary, has developed new non-contact 3-dimensional measurement systems using its patented conoscopic holography technology. Optimet sensors provide precise 3-D measurements for applications in the motor, dentistry, electronics, steelworks, mechanics and aviation, quality control, in-process inspection and reverse engineering industries.

In July 2008, the FIMI fund invested $23.5 million in Ophir in exchange for five million shares of the company and 1.75 million warrants, exercisable within five years at $5.75 each.

In December 2016 Haaretz reported that Ophir Optronics was subject of British intelligence gathering, as it was believed connected to Israeli defense fiber optics systems. [9]

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References

  1. Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
  2. Ophir Photonics Press Release
  3. Newport Corporation Press Release
  4. "MKS Instruments buys Newport in $980M debt-financed deal". optics.org. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  5. "Ophir Optics Unveils Lightweight Continuous Zoom Lens for UAVs". Unmanned Systems Technology. 2017-05-10. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  6. "Ophir LightIR Continuous Zoom Lens for Uncooled LWIR Cameras - Novus Light Today". www.novuslight.com. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  7. "Ophir® IR Optics Expands Its Family Of Cooled MWIR Long Range Lenses, Adding 900mm And 1350mm FLs Suited For Aviation And Observation Systems". www.aviation-defence-universe.com. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  8. "Finalists". PRISM AWARDS. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  9. "U.K. Intelligence Called Israel 'True Threat' to Middle East". Haaretz. 10 December 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2016.